Doug Forseth, the senior vice-president of operations at Whistler Blackcomb, said experts inspected the damaged tower overnight and determined the damage was likely caused by what he called "ice jacking."

The damaged tower was constructed from two large pieces of metal tubing that were welded and bolted together, but somehow water managed to get inside the joint, Forseth said.

When the water froze, it expanded and caused the tower splice to rupture, a situation referred to as ice jacking, he said.

No fatalities, 13 minor injuries and some people were stranded on the lift for three hours. Not what you want to have happen...